Kate Bush on “the best group” she ever saw live
Kate Bush had an impressive start to her career. Upon releasing her debut album, The Kick Inside, Bush exuded a poised and uninhibited demeanour, characteristics that would eventually define her signature allure. Several singles from the album, such as ‘Wuthering Heights’, ‘Them Heavy People’, and ‘The Man with the Child in His Eyes’, became enduringly linked with Bush for the years to follow.
Despite her unwavering talent from day one, Bush was barely 20 years old when The Kick Inside was released. However, although she’s hailed as a supreme musical authority today, her artistic genius wasn’t immediately acknowledged back then. Now revered as an icon, her initial reviews were harsh, with numerous national publications unfairly branding her as peculiar.
Bush became exposed to many musical influences growing up thanks to her family. “I think I was very lucky ’cause when I was a small child, my brothers were extremely musical,” she explained. “They were into traditional music: English and Irish folk. They were always playing stuff on the record players and had their own bands and go around the clubs. I got quite involved with it.”
She continued: “I would sing along with them and sing harmonies. I think it was important ’cause when you are very young, your mind is so open for new stimulus and direction. I think it was given to me then, so I didn’t really have to spend maybe ten years finding out what I was here for. I think that’s been an important part of my life.”
Therefore, Bush’s path as an industry trailblazer was laid early on, influenced by a diverse range of musical favourites across various genres. Famously a huge David Bowie fan, Bush has always considered the fellow innovator wildly unique yet extremely talented all the same. “I’m into more progressive people, like David Bowie and Roxy Music and Steely Dan,” she said, adding that “music can go into every corner of every room. There are so many different styles of music. Everyone is great in their own right – it’s just a matter of personal taste, really.”
When it comes to live bands, Bush has enjoyed many. However, she regards The Who as a standout among her live experiences. “The Who are the best group I ever saw live,” she explains, “and I thought they were fantastic. I think they probably turned me onto it, and The Beatles were really good when they were heavy.”
Regarding The Beatles, Bush is particularly drawn to John Lennon’s songwriting, citing him as one of the “most important human beings of my lifetime so far.”
She added: “He’s left the biggest hole in the business that we’ve known yet, I think.”
